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dh_terence ([info]dh_terence) wrote in [info]darkesthour_rpg,
@ 2008-02-06 17:29:00

Previous Entry  Add to memories!  Tell a Friend!  Next Entry
Entry tags:complete, daphne greengrass, february 2008, terence higgs

RP: How May I Help You?
Date and Time: 6 February 2008 Late morning
Characters: Daphne Greengrass, Terence Higgs
Private/Public: Private
Location: Debevoise & Plimpton, Diagon Alley
Rating: PG(?)
Warnings: TBA
Summary: Daphne and Terence meet at Daphne's request.
Completion: Complete

Terence wiped the soot from his pants as he stepped out of the fire into his office.  The hearing had gone longer than he had expected.  Now he wasn't going to have time for a private cup of tea before his afternoon appointment.

Still, poured himself a cup of tea and called out to the antechamber to his office. "Mrs. Brannigan, I need about ten minutes alone before I see Daphne Greengrass."

He sat down, sipping the tea, and read the morning edition of the Daily Prophet's Quidditch section.

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-06 11:52 pm UTC (link)
Daphne had taken care with her appearance, not wanting to look as...awkward as she felt. There was no guarantee that she would need Mr Higgs' help and though he was sympathetic to those in her situation, she wondered how much she could tell him.

Mentally chiding herself as she walked toward the offices of Debevoise and Plimpton, Daphne amended the internal statement. Mr Higgs could know almost nothing, of course. Not only was her own freedom at stake, but that of the two people who actually gave a damn if she lived or died.

Daphne entered the office building and made her way to Mr Higgs' office, smiling politely to the witch she immediately pegged as his assistant. "Daphne Greengrass to see Mr Higgs."

The woman smiled back, nodding to the chairs on the far side of the antechamber. "He's running just a bit behind, why don't you take a seat? I don't imagine Mr Higgs will be more than a few minutes."

"Thank you," Daphne replied, removing her cloak and taking a seat. She folded her hands in her lap, taking the book from her pocket while she tried desperately not to fidget.

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-07 12:32 am UTC (link)
Terence finished the cup of tea, called for a house elf to come and take it away, then walked toward the door.

Opening it, he smiled, "Ms. Greengrass, it is so great to see you again. Please do come in."

He gestured for Daphne to walk in, then let Mrs. Brannigan close the door behind them.

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-07 01:01 am UTC (link)
Looking up from her book, Daphne offered Mr Higgs a warm smile. "It is wonderful to see you again as well." She stood up, following him into the office.

He looked older, more distinguished than she remembered. Daphne stowed her book into her pocket, throwing her cloak over one arm.

"I see you've done well for yourself, not that I had any doubts." Daphne chuckled. "I do not believe I have seen you face to face since your last year at Hogwarts!"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-07 01:32 am UTC (link)
"Thank you," he glanced over his shoulder and nodded at her salutation as she walked in. "What were you reading?"

"Yes, that sounds about right," Higgs replied. "If I remember correctly, I only dealt with your brother and never you, which was disappointing because it would've been good to have seen you back then."

And now, he thought, But of course I have to go and become "happily married."

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-07 01:42 am UTC (link)
Daphne grinned, shrugging her shoulders. "Its a biography on Elizabeth the First, from the magical point of view. She had excellent policies in dealing with both worlds."

She wandered the room for a moment, watching Terence out of the corner of her eye. Catching the quick, interested once-over Daphne smirked to herself. She glanced at the plaques and certificates on the walls, photographs of Mr Higgs with governmental figures. She noted as well a photo of the man with what looked to be his children and a lovely woman.

"Ah, my brother was quite content keeping me out of any legal proceedings. He and I were raised with the old traditions, I was a familial asset nothing more."

"Your wife?" Daphne asked, indicating to the picture.

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-09 10:46 pm UTC (link)
"That she did," Higgs agreed.

"That was your brother's failing," he quipped. "Indeed, he had many as I recall."

"Yes," Terence said with a proud smile. "And TJ and Gwen. What about you, Ms. Greengrass? Any spouse or children?"

He poured himself another cup of tea. "Would you like anything?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-09 11:06 pm UTC (link)
Daphne's smile faltered for a moment as she recalled her brother. "He has many failings. The most recent of which being his decent into madness and subsequent disappearance."

She smiled at his family's photograph. "They're all lovely. Me? I am divorced and childless, unfortunately. It seems men have a hard time meeting my needs."

"Oh, tea, please." Daphne nodded, spying a photo on the opposite wall. She laughed merrily, touching the glass. "My uncle. Well, the relationship is slightly more complicated, but you know Vladimir Darkompf?"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-09 11:23 pm UTC (link)
"Disappearance, eh? I'm sorry to hear that," Higgs said half-heartedly. He presumed this was the point of the meeting, whether it was to give her legal protection or try to change the legal owner of their France estate or something else altogether, he didn't know. But he was interested.

"Thank you," Terence smiled. "And I would wager you just haven't met the right man, yet, Ms. Greengrass."

He watched her intently as she scanned the photos on the walls. "We met through a mutual acquaintance. He helped me procure some property in the Voodoo Islands." Among other items.

"Please have a seat," Higgs gestured to the chair, pouring her a cup of tea. "What can I do for you today?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-09 11:28 pm UTC (link)
Daphne made a noncomittal sound at his concern for Lynus. She was not stupid, Terence and Lynus had never been the best of friends. After Higgs failed to preserve the Greengrass estate in England, Lynus turned on the man so quickly heads spun.

"Yes, thank you." Daphne said with no hint of emotion. She smiled at her Uncle's photograph. "Quite a man, that Uncle. The Voodoo Islands?" She could not hide her interest for Marcus had lived there for many years. Did he still have property there?

Taking the offered seat, Daphne folded her hands into her lap and exhaled slowly. "As I mentioned before, my brother has gone missing. His contacts in France have all said he was slowly descending into madness." She tilted her head at Higgs, eyeing him warily. "So far the authorities do not suspect foul play, but my relationship with Lynus has been tense for years. They may decide I had something to do with his vanishing."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-10 12:03 am UTC (link)
Higgs shrugged. Lynus Greengrass was a prat, and his threats following the case's failure didn't phase Terence. He always considered Lynus to be a flubberworm in a world of hippogriffs.

"Yes, in fact," he added, straightening in his chair, "my wife and kids are at the family property there now. She doesn't like the cold weather, and there are several friends who have property near our's, so the kids have many friends there. Have you been to the Voodoo Islands?"

He paid attention while Daphne talked, but didn't take any notes. He thought about what she said. The first rule of defense law was not to ask if the client was responsible for the suspected crime.

"I see. How long ago did he go missing?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-10 12:20 am UTC (link)
Daphne settled in her chair, wondering what Higgs thought of her dearly departed...missing sibling.

"Ah, it must be lovely to have an escape from this chilled island. No, I cannot say I have ever been there." She paused. "A dear friend once lived on the islands though. I always wanted to visit."

Daphne showed no emotion, no fear as Higgs stared at her. She had not faltered before the French with their questions she would not falter now. "A little over two weeks, or so they have assessed."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-10 12:54 am UTC (link)
"Yes, it is quite lovely. Although," he frowned a little, "I do not get away nearly as much as I'd like. Work has been keeping me quite busy. Speaking of work, how is your shop doing?"

Higgs nodded as he began to assemble a timeline of the events in his head, most of it being pure speculation. Of course, he always trusted his speculation.

"And are you here because you wish to procure counsel in case suspicion turns to you? Or are you trying to wrest legal ownership of your brother's holdings?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-10 01:02 am UTC (link)
Daphne smiled fondly. "Work has the habit of keeping one from more pleasurable endeavors. The shop is doing rather well, thank you." She lied, but then, he would likely figure that out anyway.

Unperturbed by his calculating stare, Daphne shrugged one shoulder. "Should suspicion turn to me, I want to stay out of Azkaban. I have no interest in my brother's holdings. The things I wanted have already been handed over by his wife."

Daphne tilted her head again, assessing the older man with a small, wicked smile. "This is just a precaution, of course. We fully expect my beloved brother to return to us."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-10 05:13 am UTC (link)
Higgs nodded. "Fortunately, my work has the added benefit of being a pleasurable endeavor. I'm glad to hear the shop is doing well."

"That's good. Although, your brother did -- does," he correct himself almost amusingly, "have some nice properties. Still, if all you desire is legal protection, that should not be too hard to provide. I shall put some feelers out among my French law enforcement contacts. In the meantime, I will need to know your whereabouts during the time period of his suspected disappearance, along with names of those who could provide allibis."

"Yes, I'm sure you do," Terence smiled. "I would also hope that you would be true to your Slytherin nature and even had you a hand in his disappearance that you would've covered your tracks." He said it in such a voice as to convey he didn't want to know if she was involved or not.

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-10 05:21 am UTC (link)
Amused by the slip in tenses, Daphne covered her mouth with her hand, hiding a smirk with a well-placed cough. It seemed Higgs had not lost the skills honed in the serpent's coils, for he already knew much more than he let on.

"Yes, he does." Daphne agreed, taking her hand from her mouth only when she knew she had control over her face. "Oh, of course. That should be simple enough. I was at my Malfoy Manor or my shop during the time period. Several servants can attest to that, my freed Elves, and the Ambassador himself, of course."

Daphne hauled a look of complete, angelic innocence to her face. "Why would I need to cover my tracks, Mr Higgs?"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-10 05:39 am UTC (link)
Higgs held in his desire to smirk as Daphne covered her mouth along with his disappointment that she would think her cough a suitable coverup. No wonder she's afraid she'll fall under suspicion.

He raised an eyebrow at the mention of Malfoy. He's always had a love-hate impression of Draco. "How is the good Ambassador doing? I admit it has been too long since I last talked to him."

"You misunderstand me, Ms. Greengrass," he said rather coolly. "I meant only I hoped you would've covered your tracks if you had been involved."

He took a sip of his tea, watching her as he drank.

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-10 04:03 pm UTC (link)
Daphne smiled fondly at the mention of Draco. "The Ambassador is doing very well, thank you. It has been some time since he spoke to many, though he has been making the rounds to our old cohorts as of late."

Arching a brow, Daphne nodded. "Of course you did."

She sipped at her tea silently, then cleared her throat. "What is said between us must stay between us, yes?"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-10 08:05 pm UTC (link)
"I'm glad to hear Malfoy is doing well," he said, intentionally dropping the honorific. He would have to make a note to get in touch with Draco in the near future. Undoubtedly, there would be things for them to discuss.

Higgs gave a slight chuckle. "Ms. Greengrass, I consider the attorney-client bonds among the most sacred. No word of our business shall escape me. And should someone try to take the information by force, I assure you, they will fail."

Again, he found himself questioning her upbringing if she didn't understand the protections afforded an attorney-client relationship.

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-10 08:16 pm UTC (link)
Daphne caught the drop of Draco's title, but made no mention of it. Should something brew between Draco and Higgs, she certainly had no business poking around in it.

"Of course," Daphne agreed as Mr Higgs went over the privileges. "I was simply reaffirming." Daphne paused, tapping at her lips for several seconds.

"My brother was physically and emotionally abusive, his violence escalated over the last two years or so. He spent most of his time trying to torture me for disobeying his "pureblood traditions". This type of abuse is well known within my family, though the Hit Wizards will likely hit a wall of silence should they probe into it."

"If that information were to fall into Hit Wizard hands, I have no doubt I will be a suspect, innocent or not. I do not want my personal life splashed all over French and British papers." Daphne frowned. "I went through enough of that when my father was posthumously convicted of being a Death Eater."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-11 02:09 am UTC (link)
"Nothing wrong with reaffirming," his lips curling at the corners slightly.

Higgs let his face contort with disgust as Daphne told him about her brother's behaviors. True, he did find it absolutely revolting, but the countenance was motivated by the benefits to showing empathy.

"You shouldn't have to worry about that. I have quite the track record of ensuring unsavory things -- no matter how horrific -- are kept both from the eyes of the authorities and the public," he tapped his fingers together in a conniving manner. "Anyone who should try to publish such information either for public or official consumption will find life quite complicated, I assure you."

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-11 02:20 am UTC (link)
Tapping her fingers together in her lap, Daphne wondered if Higgs was showing her true disgust or if he was playing her with empathy. Truly, she could blame him for neither side.

"Good," Daphne nodded smartly. "I will leave that in your hands. I know it is self-serving and trite, but I would prefer keeping any of this under wraps. Is there anything I should do in the meantime? Aside from keeping out of trouble, that is."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-11 02:50 am UTC (link)
Higgs rose collecting their used tea cups and saucers, setting them off to the side. He sat on the edge of his desk, in front of Daphne.

"Talk to no one about this without me being there," he said. "I don't care if's reporters, aurors, or the fucking Minister of Magic himself. If anyone comes asking questions, say nothing without me. And let me know as soon as you of anything that might be a development, no matter how trivial."

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-11 02:54 am UTC (link)
Daphne handed him her cup and saucer, arching a brow as he sat on the edge of his desk, his gaze pinning hers.

Accepting his expected statement, Daphne nodded easily. "Of course. If I should learn anything, you will be the first to know. Until then..." Daphne smiled, raised a hand and mimed zipped and locking her lips.

Now to the matter she was most concerned about for this meeting. "How much for your counsel and representation?"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-11 03:03 am UTC (link)
"Good," he nodded at her miming.

"Ah, I wondered when you'd ask. I'm quite impressed, that's generally one of the first questions people ask." Which means either she has the galleons to afford my services or she has something she believes I'll find quite valuable. Either way, Higgs was certainly intrigued.

"That can be a rather complicated question, as I charge different prices for various aspects of the work, from initial meetings to depositions to travel expenses." He paused a moment before continuing. "But, you are a fellow Slytherin and as a friend of the Ambassador and Marcus Flint's, I am prepared to offer you a different pricing schedule. Unless you had something else in mind?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-11 03:11 am UTC (link)
"I try to not run with the pack, one can get trampled that way," Daphne teased with her most winsome smile. When he does his digging, he will realize I cannot afford him. Ah well, at least I brought something of value.

Nodding at his fluid pricing, Daphne tapped her lips with one finger before standing. "I prefer having something concrete up front." Reaching into her pocket, she drew out a small bundle covered with green silk.

She unwrapped the parcel, handing Higgs three rings of platinum and diamonds. "My wedding set, which I opted to keep after my divorce. I trust they will fetch a solid price and perhaps, for now, this may buy your representation?"

After a pause, Daphne tilted her head. "You have keep in touch with Marcus?"

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-11 04:36 am UTC (link)
"Yes, yes, one certainly can," he as she teased.

Higgs watched her intently and silently as she drew out the jewelry, his eyes growing a little wide.

Terence accepted the rings and looked them over. "This seems quite impressive. I will of course have to have these appraised. But I trust they will prove of adequate worth."

He nodded. "Yes, Marcus is a close friend." He spoke while walking around to the other side of his desk, setting the rings on the surface, then waving his wand over them, activating a security ward. "The Flint's holdings was one I was able to save from the ministry's crusade."

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-11 01:58 pm UTC (link)
"Mmm," Daphne hummed in agreement when Higgs mentioned having the rings appraised. "Should they prove unworthy we shall have to sort out other arrangements."

As he moved around the desk, Daphne smoothed her robes down. "At least you were able to salvage some. Marcus most likely appreciated it. Unfortunately the Ministry's crusades continue even to this day as I am sure you understand. I am glad their blind hatred has not stopped everyone's success." Daphne offered the wizard a small smile.

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-12 04:16 am UTC (link)
Does she not even pay attention to politics? Higgs wondered as Daphne reminded him of the ongoing Ministry crusades.

"Yes, it most certainly do," he said. "And I will always be here fighting against Shacklebolt and his cronies for as long as I have breath left in me. Please feel free to pass on anything you hear about the Ministry's discrimination. I would greatly appreciate it."

Terence placed his hands in his lap. "Is there anything else I can do for you today, Ms. Greengrass?"

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[info]dh_daphne
2008-02-12 04:23 am UTC (link)
Daphne had never paid attention to politics, preferring her books and sculpting and wands. She didn't bother to explain that she fought her training with every breath. Higgs likely wasn't interested.

"If I hear anything that might help bring him down, you are first to know. I absolutely detest that man." Daphne held her hand out to Higgs, smiling slightly.

"I think that will be all, Mr Higgs. It was a pleasure seeing you again."

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[info]dh_terence
2008-02-12 04:39 am UTC (link)
Higgs rose, shaking her hand. "Oh, it doesn't even have to be something that extreme. Even if it's just something that could give the prat a proverbial black eye or even papercut, I'd welcome it. It'll be a glorious day when we see his approval numbers plummet further than Fudge's ever did."

"Mrs. Brannigan!" Higgs yelled for his assistant, who opened the door, shooting him a 'There's no need to yell' look.

"It was nice to see you again, as well, Ms. Greengrass. I'll be in touch. Mrs. Brannigan will see you out."

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